Automated will call system

ABSTRACT

A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.12/427,213, filed Apr. 21, 2009, which is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 11/698,726, filed on Jan. 26, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,537,155, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.11/503,013, filed Aug. 11, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,098, which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 10/992,925, filed Nov. 19, 2004 now U.S. Pat.No. 7,093,755, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.10/241,171, filed Sep. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,684, which is acontinuation-in-part of parent application Ser. No. 09/521,763, filedMar. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,142, which claims benefit ofprovisional application No. 60/162,580, filed Oct. 29, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to will call systems for the storage andretrieval of items. In particular the invention is directed to theimproved management of the storage and retrieval of items through theuse of an automated will call system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Will call systems and automated storage and retrieval systems are widelyused to store, retrieve, and dispense articles. A benefit of suchsystems is in the speed and efficiency with which items can be stored,retrieved, and dispensed. However, automation has primarily beenreserved for the vending machine and central warehouse environments.

Storage and retrieval systems including rotatable storage and retrievalreceptacles are known. In such systems, a main platter or shelf isrotated to a window that makes all the storage positions on the shelfavailable to the window. U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,592 (Bradt et al.), andU.S. Pat. No. 5,212,649 (Pelletier et al.) all show storage systems withcircular arrangements of receptacles in the context of systems designedto store specific articles, such as video tapes and magnetic tapes. Thesystems shown in those patents cannot, however, accommodate articles ofdifferent size. U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,438 (Munro) and U.S. Pat. No.5,343,403 (Beidle et al.) disclose storage and retrieval systems havinga stationary storage unit with a moving retrieval system, such as amoving arm. Such a retrieval system takes up a large amount of floorspace, which is usually at a premium. Another disadvantage of thesystems disclosed in those patents is the length of time necessary toretrieve an article.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,920 (Clausen) shows such a device further includinga computer system to control the drive assembly to automate the storageand retrieval process. Clausen also provides for the replacement of anitem on a storage shelf. However, Clausen does not provide a way toensure that an item is replaced in the correct location. There is no wayto check or supervise the user to keep errors in storage and retrievalto a minimum. The Clausen system may reduce the time for retrieval of anitem, but there is no way of checking if items are misplaced.

All of the above cited patents have several drawbacks. First, there isno efficient way to remove articles from the system that remain longerthan necessary. In the systems disclosed in those patents, there is noway of determining the age of articles stored. If articles areperishable or otherwise have a value which diminishes the longer thearticles remain in the system, there will be waste, loss of potentialrevenue, and other problems. Second, there is no mechanism to ensurethat items are stored and retrieved correctly, i.e., there is no way tominimize operator error. Finally, no system has addressed the handlingof controlled articles such as prescription drugs.

To reduce costs, the central fill method of dispensing prescriptions isa growing trend. Demographics indicate that between now and the year2004, the volume of centrally filled prescriptions will grow from 2.4billion prescriptions per year to 4.0 billion prescriptions per year, a40% increase. However, the number of pharmacists will increase by onlyslightly more than 6% over the same period.

Some systems do exist for batch filling of prescriptions on a volumebasis. U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,762 (Charhut et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,257(Soderstrom et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,995 (Williams et al.)disclose automated systems for prescription filling at a centrallocation, such as for mail order or for batch filling and later deliveryto a local pharmacy. Prescriptions are entered into the automatedsystem, automatically filled, packed and labeled, and then delivered toa location for distribution and subsequent patient pickup. Those patentsdisclose high volume prescription filling systems, but the systemsdisclosed do not address the problems related to the pick-up ofcompleted prescriptions, where prescriptions could be misplaced, neverpicked up, or, even worse, dispensed to the wrong patient.

Currently prescriptions enter the pharmacy by several common methods. 1)Hard copy prescriptions are physically brought to the pharmacy by thepatient or the patient's representative. The patient either waits forthe prescription (or, “script”) to be filled, or drops off the scriptand returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription. 2) Adoctor or the doctor's representative phones in a new prescription tothe local pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it upafter it has been filled. 3) A patient or the patient's representativebrings in a previously filled prescription that is renewable orotherwise requests that a renewable prescription be refilled. Thisrequest may be made in person or over the phone. For those prescriptionsphysically brought into the pharmacy, the patient either waits for theprescription to be refilled, or drops off the prescription and returnsat a later time to retrieve the refilled prescription.

Almost every retail chain, independent drug store, and outpatient/clinicpharmacy setting currently has some form of manual will call system. Thebasic functions of a manual will call system are to retrieve apreviously filled prescription and hand it to the patient when thepatient comes to the pharmacy. There are various physical forms andmethods for manual will call. The most common procedure hasprescriptions being individually filled and placed into bags, the bagsthen being filed, alphabetically by last name, in a series of bins ortrays located near the point of sale terminals in the pharmacy. Thisprocedure is highly inefficient and prone to error. Disruptions arecommon to this process and can create a high level of chaos resulting inone or more of the following problems.

Prescriptions can be placed in the wrong bin or tray for pickup. Time islost looking for a prescription that has been misfiled. Whenprescriptions are misfiled, the productivity of pharmacy personnel isreduced, the patient faces increased waiting time, and, in extremecases, the prescription has to be filled a second time (double fill). Inhigh customer demand periods, this can be extremely disruptive andexpensive.

The risk of giving a patient the wrong medication is increased in manualwill call systems. It is not uncommon for a clerk, particularly during abusy period, to pick up the wrong bag and hand it to the patient withoutnoticing the error. It is not unusual for a patient to also overlook themistake. The risk of a patient receiving and taking the wrong medicationis quite serious and, unfortunately, very real.

Many patients require multiple medications. They may be filled atdifferent times, and placed separately in the bins for pick up. Withmanual will call systems, there is an increased likelihood that thepharmacy will fail to give the patient all of his prescriptions, sincethe prescriptions may not always be grouped together in the bins forpick-up. If the patient is not able to pick up all of his prescriptionsat once, an additional trip by the patient to the pharmacy is necessaryor, even worse, the patient does not realize that there are multipleprescriptions and will not be in compliance with the drug therapyestablished by the physician.

In addition, most current pharmacy management systems (PMS) do notprovide electronic ordering or family grouping of prescriptions.Different members of a household may individually require differentmedications. With most existing systems, there is no way of assuringthat all of the prescriptions for a given household are placed togetherfor pick-up. This can lead to multiple trips to the pharmacy by membersof the same household, when all prescriptions could have been collectedat one time if they had been grouped together.

From the pharmacy's point of view, unclaimed prescriptions present aproblem. An increasing number of prescriptions presented to the pharmacyfor dispensing are never picked up by the patient. In most retailpharmacy settings, the pharmacy staff may not necessarily know that apatient has not picked up a prescription and/or does not have the timeto call the patient to provide as many reminders as necessary to havethe prescription picked up. This lack of a means to remind the patientthat a prescription is ready for pickup increases the likelihood that itwill never be picked up at all and, therefore, never sold. If unclaimedprescriptions accumulate, they can clog pick up locations and slow downretrieval and increase patient waiting time. They can also represent aloss of revenue to the pharmacy, since medications already dispensedcannot be reused and, if not picked up, constitute waste. Moreover, somemedications are perishable, and must be used quickly. If suchmedications remain unclaimed for too long, they must be discarded and,in some cases, re-dispensed when a patient finally appears to claimthem. This leads to increased cost to the pharmacy and, ultimately, tothe patient. To clear out unclaimed prescriptions, manual removal orpurging of unclaimed prescriptions is required, which is very timeconsuming and tedious. Most pharmacies do not have the staff or the timeto conveniently perform a purge function, thus exacerbating the tendencyof the manual will call system to become clogged.

Floor space within a retail chain or independent pharmacy, as well asoutpatient and clinic pharmacies, is at a premium. Many of the currentwill call systems fail to provide a high storage density.

Also, the confidentiality of patients is given a very high priority.Accordingly, the current manually operated bins must be placed farenough away from the sales counter so that the prescription informationon the labels cannot be read by other customers. This, of course, runscounter to the need to use less floor space within the pharmacy area,and reduces the efficiency of the will call process. Relatedconfidentiality issues may require that one family member not learn ofprescriptions dispensed to other family member. Thus, in some casesthere may be a good reason not to group together multiple prescriptionsfrom the same household. Manual will call systems are vulnerable toinadvertently grouping together prescriptions which should remainseparate.

The present invention remedies the above disadvantages through automatedelectronic monitoring of the storage and retrieval of the filledprescriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for themanagement of the storage and removal of items, especially, although notnecessarily, filled prescriptions. The present invention provides anefficient and accurate will call function by optimizing the storage ofitems and by electronically tracking the insertion and removal of items.

The automated will call system of the invention tracks the items storedwithin the system with “absolute confirmation,” ensuring that items areinserted and retrieved correctly. The location of stored items ismaintained in a memory until the items are removed. Accordingly, thereis a reduction in the potential for errors. There is also a reduction inthe dispensing of incomplete orders from the will call system bygrouping the items according to user-created criteria.

The invention provides high density storage for items by using storagecabinets configured to occupy a minimum of floor space, while providinglarge storage volume.

The invention also provides for reminders to be automatically sent topatients to pick up items that remain in the will call system for auser-specified time period, permitting the user to use staff time moreproductively. In addition, an automatic purge process facilitates theremoval of items that have remained within the will call system for auser-specified time.

System diagnostic functions provide a way of evaluating the efficiencyof the system and user personnel, which helps to lower will calloperating costs.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an automated will callsystem for the management of the storage and retrieval of items,comprising at least one of each of an input source, a storage unit, auser work station, and an article sensor, all in communication with acontroller. The controller receives identification data associated withan item to be stored within the system, and stores the identificationdata in memory. The controller assigns the item a unique storagelocation within the storage unit. Upon sensing insertion of the iteminto the unique storage location, by the article sensor, the controllermaintains the unique storage location in memory. When the removal of anitem from a storage location is sensed by the article sensor, thecontroller deletes the unique location from memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings a foam which is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view, in simplified form, of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates one form of a storage unit of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another form of a storage unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for thestorage unit shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for thestorage unit shown in FIG. 4, showing “absolute confirmation” sensing ofarticles in the storage location.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third form of storage unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in whichplural storage units as in shown in FIG. 6 are grouped together.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the “absolute confirmation” sensing ofarticles in a storage location.

FIG. 9 illustrates a safety sensor for the storage unit shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 illustrates a tote for holding articles, which can be used withthe storage unit shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11A illustrates another embodiment of the “absolute confirmation”sensing of articles in a storage location, in which the light sourceemits diffuse light throughout the storage location.

FIG. 11B illustrates that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A thereflector is the item itself.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description contained herein relates to the specific structures ofan automated will call system as presently contemplated. Thisdescription, however, is intended to be illustrative only and notlimiting as to the scope of the present invention. For example, whilethe invention will be described in the context of storing, retrieving,and dispensing prescriptions, the invention is applicable to storing,retrieving, and dispensing other items as well.

In the drawings, where like numerals indicate like elements, there isshown an automated will call system in accordance with the presentinvention. The drawings are schematic in that non-essential structuresand elements have been omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an automated will call system 10 according tothe invention includes a controller 12, at least one storage unit 14, atleast one user work station 16, and an optional refrigerator 18 and anoptional secure storage unit 20. The individual elements of the systemare in communication with one another via communication linksrepresented by the solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lines may beconsidered to represent hard-wired connections, or optical or wirelessconnections, as may be desired.

The controller 12 provides all of the command and control functions forthe will call system 10, and manages and tracks the movement of itemswithin the system, i.e., their placement into and removal from thesystem. The controller 12 may be a stand alone device, such as a PC, ormay be embedded within the system, such as at a user work station 16 oreven within a storage unit 14. The controller 12 includes a memory tostore all received information from outside the system (as will bedescribed in more detail below), as well as the locations of all storeditems and length of time each item has been in the system.

The storage unit 14 provides a plurality of storage locations for items.At least one opening on the storage unit provides access to the storagelocations. The storage locations may be oriented in rows or in columns,and may be moveable to positions providing a user access to the storagelocations (as will be described in more detail below).

The user work station 16 provides a site for user and customerinteraction with the controller 12, such as the input of itemidentifying data 98 to identify a particular prescription orprescriptions. User work station 16 may include a card reader 17associated with it, which can read identifying data 98 from a cardswiped through the card reader by a pharmacy clerk or by the customer.The user work station may comprise interactive inputs/outputs such as amonitor and keyboard, scanner, bar code reader, touch screen, voicerecognition system, printer, and the like. As seen in FIG. 1, aplurality of user work stations 16 may be provided within the automatedwill call system, permitting multiple insertions and removalssimultaneously at a plurality of storage units 14. They need not beside-by-side as illustrated, but may be remote from one another.

An optional refrigerator 18 for the storage of items requiringrefrigeration and an optional secure storage unit 20 for secure storageof valuable or controlled items, such as Drug Enforcement AgencySchedule C2 medications, are in communication with the controller.Associated with the refrigerator and secure unit are a series of lights22 coded to correspond to the user work stations 16. The refrigeratorand secure storage each have at least one user interface button 82,which permits pharmacy personnel to send a signal to the controllerwhich represents the completion of an insertion or removal operation atthe designated refrigerator or secure storage unit.

A work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller, comprisesa network of indicators for guiding the user. The work flow coordinatormay comprise either audible or visible indications, or both for theuser. For example, the indications may be in the form of a voicerecording directing the user. As seen in FIG. 1, the work flowcoordinator preferably comprises incandescent lights 22, 78 disposed onthe storage units to guide the user.

The controller 12 receives identification information associated with anitem to be stored within the system, and stores that information inmemory. The memory may reside within the controller, within a storageunit 14, another PC, the host system 76, or any other system. Theidentification information may be received in any convenient manner,such as from a pharmacy management system or through direct entry by theuser. The direct entry includes any form of input/output found at theuser work station 16 or storage unit 14.

Identifying indicia on the exterior of an item is entered into thesystem. The identifying indicia may be entered in any convenient manner,such as sensing the indicia on the item through use of a scanner at auser work station 16 or at a storage unit 14, or through direct entry bythe user. Upon sensing identifying indicia on an item intended forstorage within the system, the controller correlates the identificationinformation with the identifying indicia and assigns the item a uniquestorage location within the storage unit.

Upon user insertion of an item into the unique storage location assignedby the controller, a sensor senses the item insertion and signals thecontroller. The controller maintains the unique storage location andtime of insertion in memory. When it is desired to remove an item fromthe system, the controller retrieves the unique storage location frommemory. Upon sensing the removal of the item from its storage location,the controller deletes the unique location from memory.

All of the embodiments of the invention have at least one storage unitcomprising at least one storage location. One embodiment of storage unitemploys open shelves, while two other embodiments, one using a conveyorand the other a carousel, have an enclosed cabinet comprising a door orfront panel. The conveyor and carousel embodiments have access openingswhich permit access to a selected number of storage locations. In thecase of the conveyor embodiment, the opening permits access to a singlerow of storage locations, with more than one storage locationaccessible. In the case of the carousel, the opening permits access tomultiple rows of storage locations, but only one storage location perrow, i.e., a column.

User interface buttons may be provided on all the storage unitembodiments to enable a pharmacy clerk to confirm the completion ofinsertion and removal procedures (as will be described in more detailbelow). This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2. Alternatively, theuser interface buttons may be “virtual” buttons, located on a computerscreen or a touch screen.

One embodiment of storage unit which can be used with the inventionshown as in FIG. 3, and is referred to as a “pick-to-light” system. Thestorage unit is in the form of an open cabinet 15 including a pluralityof shelves 19. Each shelf comprises a row of storage locations 13defined by walls 21. The walls may be either fixed or movable;preferably, but not necessarily, the shelves are fixed in position. Ascanner 50 may be attached to the cabinet 15, providing means forpharmacy personnel to input item identifying data into the system.

An article sensor (as will be described in more detail below) may alsobe attached proximate each storage location, confirming storage orretrieval of an item. The article sensor comprises a light source, areflector and a photo-detector, arranged so that a light beam emittedfrom the light source passes through the storage location and reflectsoff of the reflector back to the photo-detector, adjacent the lightsource. The reflector may be a reflector strip, reflecting tape, areflecting coating on a surface, or the like.

A work flow coordinator is provided on the cabinet 15, and may include arow of lights 78 atop the cabinet and an indicator 80 proximate eachstorage location 13. The indicator 80 provides guidance to the user asto which storage location to use for an insertion or retrievalprocedure.

Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 has a storage unitcomprising a cabinet 26 housing a conveyor 28. The conveyor 28 may bedisposed in various configurations, but is preferably orientedvertically. The conveyor is rotated by item transport means 31, whichmay be a drive motor, chain, pulley system, pneumatic device, or thelike. The conveyor rotates a plurality of storage locations 36 to aposition permitting user access via window 30. The window 30 is sized soas to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at thesame time, preferably one row of storage locations 36 at a time.

The conveyor 28 may comprise a plurality of rows 32, each being dividedby walls 34 (which may be fixed or movable) which include a plurality ofmoveable slot members 34. The slot members 34 define the storagelocations or slots 36.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, an opening 38 is provided on the rear wall40 of each slot 36. An article sensor 23, comprising a light source 24,is disposed in the interior of the conveyor such that light from thelight source 24 passes through the rear wall opening 38 in each slot 36.A reflector 25 is attached to the rear face of the cabinet front panel42 at the bottom of window 30, generally opposite the light source. Alight beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through thestorage location and reflects off the reflector 25, back to aphoto-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24.

At least one user interface button is provided to generate a signal torepresent various functions of the automated will-call system including:procedure complete, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigeratorstorage, and secure storage. In the illustrated embodiment, a pluralityof user interface buttons 46 are shown as being located on the counter48 of cabinet 26. The user interface buttons may be actualelectromechanical devices, or they may be “virtual” buttons, such as ona touch screen, or may be located remote from the storage unit, such asat the user work station 16. More or fewer user interface buttons may beused, as desired.

In addition, a scanner 50 attached to the cabinet 26 provides means forpharmacy personnel to easily input item identifying data into thesystem. Scanner 50 may scan bar coded data on or associated with anitem.

As seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 8A and 8B, and 9, another embodiment of thepresent invention has a storage unit in the form of an enclosed cabinet52, having a front panel or door 53, and having at least one carousel 54contained in the cabinet 52. The door 53 includes at least one opening55 therethrough, which provides access to storage locations on thecarousel. The openings are sized to permit access to a preselectednumber of slots at the same time, preferably only one slot per carouselat a time. The carousel 54 may vary in size and shape, but preferablythe carousel is cylindrical and oriented to rotate about a verticalaxis, as in a lazy-Susan design. A drive means 60, preferably disposedon a shelf 62 above the carousel 54, rotates the carousel about itsvertical axis. The drive means may be a drive motor, such as a steppermotor, or the like. The carousel may include a plurality of verticallystacked trays 56. Each tray has a plurality of storage locations,preferably in the shape of pie-shaped slots 58 circumferentially spacedand surrounding a central shaft 61. The slots 58 are defined by walls64, which may be fixed or movable. Each vertically stacked tray 56 maybe permitted to rotate independently of the others. The verticalstacking of the trays permits a small footprint while maintaining a highdensity storage cabinet. For example, a 30″ wide by 30″ deep cabinet ofnominal height would house 144 pie-shaped slots of sufficient size tohouse normal size prescriptions.

As seen in FIGS. 6, 8A and 8B, each pie-shaped slot 58 includes areflector 25 at the bottom rear of the slot. A light source 24 islocated just above each opening 55, preferably although not necessarilyon the inside of the door 53. An article sensor 23, including the lightsource 24, a reflector 25 and a photo-detector 27, preferably locatednext to light source 24, transmits signals from the article sensor tothe controller, representative of either insertion or removal of an iteminto or from a storage location. The light source 24, reflector 25, andphoto-detector 27 are all arranged and oriented so that a light beam 44emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location,reflects off the reflector 25, and returns to the photo-detector 27adjacent the light source 24.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the articlesensor 123 comprises a light source 124 that differs from those in theembodiment of FIGS. 8A and B. Instead of directing a beam of narrowlyfocused light 44 as in FIGS. 8A and B, source 124 diffuses light into apattern 144 that fills the space of the pie-shaped slot 158. In thisembodiment, the object 150 acts as a reflector. The reflection of thelight back to the photo-detector 127 is accomplished when the object150, which is reflecting, is introduced into the light-diffused space.The photo-detector 127 detects light reflected from object 150 when theobject to be stored is placed in the storage location.

This detection technique is more effective at shorter distances betweenthe light source and the target, and where a larger volume of space maybe covered. Consequently, the distance from the light source to thetarget is generally shorter than in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and B.

The underlying principle of the automatic confirmation embodiment shownin FIGS. 11A and 11B is the same as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 8Aand 8B. In both embodiments, the controller senses the presence orabsence of an object in the bin relative to the presence or absence ofreflected light. The difference between these embodiments is in theaction of the reflecting means. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and B, adiscrete reflector is always present between the light source and thephoto-detector whereas, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the removablestored object acts as a reflector. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and Bthe controller confirms the presence of an object in the bin bydetermining an absence of reflected light. That is to say, the storedobject blocks the transmission of light to the reflector. When thedetector detects no reflected light, the controller interprets that asthe presence of a stored object. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B,the controller confirms the presence of an object in the bin bydetermining the presence of reflected light. Put differently, thediffused light from the light source is reflected back to the detectorby the object itself, which the controller interprets as the presence ofa stored object. If the reflected, diffused light does not exceed athreshold value, the controller interprets this as an absence of an itemin the storage location.

With reference again to FIG. 6, a bulk storage area 70 provides a placefor the storage of items that do not fit into the slots 58. A light 72on the bulk storage area prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert orremove items from the bulk storage area, when necessary.

A scanner 74 attached to the cabinet 52, preferably on the door 53,provides means for pharmacy personnel to scan identifying data on anarticle into the system. As with the previously described embodiment,scanner 74 may be a bar code scanner.

At least one user interface button 68 is located on the cabinet 52,preferably on the door 53. User interface buttons 68 may be provided torepresent one or more functions of the system including: procedure done,next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator, and secure storage, aswill be described in more detail below.

The user interface buttons provide a way for a pharmacy clerk toindicate the completion of an insertion or retrieval of an item from astorage location. The user interface buttons represent various functionsof the will call system, including: procedure complete (DONE), nextavailable storage location (NEXT), bulk storage (BULK), refrigeratorstorage (REFRIGERATOR), and secure storage (SECURE). The user interfacebuttons can be used during both storage and retrieval operations.Additional user interface buttons may be provided to represent as manyfunctions as deemed necessary.

The DONE button provides an indication to the controller 12 that aninsertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by the pharmacyclerk. Pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure hasbeen performed. Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provideindication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of itemsfrom bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or secure storage 20. If onlyone user interface button is provided on a storage unit, it ispreferably the DONE button.

The NEXT button provides indication to the controller 12 that thecontroller designated storage location currently already contains toomany items to accommodate an item intended for that location. The userpresses the NEXT button to instruct the controller 12 to designate a newstorage location for the placement of the intended item.

Depression of the BULK button provides indication to the controller 12that an item is too large to fit into the designated storage locationand that the controller should designate a bulk storage area 70 forstorage of the item. Upon insertion of the item into the designated bulkarea, the user will press the DONE button, as stated above.

The REFRIGERATOR and SECURE button are used in the same manner as theBULK button. The user presses the intended button, instructing thecontroller 12 to change the designated storage location to either arefrigerator 18 or secure storage unit 20. Upon insertion of the iteminto the designated storage location, the user will press the DONEbutton, as stated above.

The work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller 12,comprises a network of indicators to provide guidance to the user. Thework flow coordinator may include audible or visible indications, orboth, for the pharmacy personnel to follow. Preferably, the work flowcoordinator comprises a network of lights including at least one light78 attached to each storage unit and at least one light 80 proximateeach storage unit opening.

The lights are located to be easily visible to pharmacy personnel. Toeffectively provide guidance to the user, the lights 78 preferablycomprise a row of lights attached proximate the top of the storage unit.The number of lights in the row 78 is preferably equal to the number ofuser work stations 16 in the system, in addition to at least one errorlight. The lights may be illuminated steadily or may blink in apredetermined pattern, and the lights may be any shape or color, and maybe color coded to correspond to designated user work stations 16.

The controller 12 will activate the work flow coordinator, illuminatingthe row of lights 78 on the storage unit and the light 80 proximate thedesignated storage location to guide the user for both insertion andretrieval procedure from a designated storage location. Upon sensingcompletion of the procedure, the controller 12 will deactivate the workflow coordinator.

Operation of the Automated Will Call System

The operation of the automated will call system is described as beingused for management of prescriptions in a pharmacy setting The users arepharmacy personnel who include pharmacists, technicians, and clerks.However, it should be kept in mind that the invention is not limited toa particular use and is applicable to the storage and retrieval of itemsin addition to prescriptions.

The prescription dispensing process begins with hard copy prescriptionrequests brought to the pharmacy by the patient or the patient'srepresentative. The patient drops off the script and returns at a latertime to retrieve the filled prescription. Alternatively, a doctor or thedoctor's representative phones a prescription request into the pharmacyand the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has beenfilled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system receives patient and prescriptionidentification information 84 to be stored within the automated willcall system. The identification information is received at thecontroller 12. The identification information 84 may be sent via commoncommunication methods from a host system 76, i.e., a pharmacy managementsystem, or entered by pharmacy personnel using interactive input/outputunits at the user work station 16 or the storage unit 14. Theidentification information received includes: an order number, patientname, address, phone number, time/date, prescription number, patientidentification number, refrigeration required, controlled drug, nationaldrug code (NDC) number, non-grouping flag, or the like. Theidentification information is stored in memory.

The prescriptions are filled by the pharmacist and placed into bags; thebags are then placed into bins or trays. Alternatively, theprescriptions are filled off-site and shipped to the pharmacy in bins ortrays. The filled or partially filled prescriptions, now ready forstorage within the automated will call system, are received by pharmacypersonnel. Periodically, pharmacy personnel take the bins or trays tothe automated will call system to insert the prescriptions for laterretrieval for or by customers.

The pharmacy personnel enter the identifying data 98 on the prescriptioninto the automated will call system. The identifying data may be enteredat the user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touchscreen, or if the prescriptions are bar-coded, as is preferred, throughuse of a scanner, preferably through a scanner located at the storageunit 14. The identifying data is correlated, by the controller 12, withother pertinent information such as identification information 84received from the host system.

In response to receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12 scansfor a match with the identification information currently stored in amemory, either its local memory or a remote memory such as at a hostcomputer 76. The controller searches for a match of information such asthe patient name, address, phone number, and patient identificationnumber. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storagelocation for the prescription as the matched prescriptions currentlystored in the system. If no match is found, the controller assigns aunique storage location for the prescription to be placed in the system.The controller 12 preferably designates the closest available storagelocation for the prescription rather than a predetermined position, thusreducing prescription placement processing time. The designation of theclosest available storage location also reduces the required rotation ofthe item transport means in the conveyor 26 and carousel 52 embodiments.

Prescription grouping may be performed by the system, wherein groupingparameters are designated by the system user, based on anyidentification information stored in memory. Preferably, prescriptionsare grouped by family, using the patient last name and address. Groupingenables the patient to pick up all prescriptions for the patient andother family members at one time.

With grouping, upon receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12scans the memory for a match of patient last name and address with theidentification information of patient prescriptions currently stored inthe system. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storagelocation for the prescriptions as the matched family prescriptionscurrently stored in the system.

However, for privacy reasons, a flag may optionally be activated in theautomated will call system, preventing automatic grouping for specificpatients or scripts. The non-grouping flag may be an audible or visualindication to the pharmacy personnel to not group a specificprescription with others. The indication may emanate from the user workstation as an audible signal or a visual signal on a user work stationmonitor, or a visual indication placed directly on the prescription.Preferably, the non-grouping flag is included in the identificationinformation 84 received by the controller 12 and stored in memory.During the matching of identifying data with identification informationprocedure, if a non-grouping flag is found with the matched patient nameand address, the controller 12 will automatically assign a uniquestorage location for the prescription, and grouping will not take place.

Upon controller designation of a storage location, the controlleractivates the system work flow coordinator. Upon activation of the workflow coordinator, the lights 78 on the designated storage unitilluminate, designating that a storage operation is in progress andguiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. A light 80proximate an opening of the storage unit permitting access to thedesignated storage location illuminates, prompting the pharmacypersonnel to insert the prescription into the designated storagelocation. The pharmacy personnel then inserts the prescription into thestorage location proximate the illuminated light 80.

In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination oflight 80, the controller signals the designated storage unit drive meansto move the designated storage location to a position that permits useraccess to the location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receipt of asignal, the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32 onthe conveyor until the row containing the designated location isproximate the window opening 30. In the carousel embodiment, uponreceipt of a signal the drive means 60, disposed on a shelf 62 above thecarousel 54, rotates the carousel of vertically stacked trays to provideaccess to the designated slot through one of the openings 55.

Once the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to insertthe prescription and, if applicable, the drive means has stoppedrotating the storage locations, the pharmacy clerk inserts theprescription into the designated storage location.

An article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and incommunication with the controller 12, detects the insertion of theprescription into the storage location and sends a signal to thecontroller confirming the activity. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B,when a prescription is placed within a storage location, the light beam44 emitted from the light source 24 is blocked, thus preventing thereflection of the light beam off of the reflecting means 25 back to thephoto-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to the light beambeing blocked, sends a signal to the controller representative of aprescription being placed in a storage location. Upon receipt of thesignal at the controller that an article has been inserted, thecontroller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78and 80, and stores the location of the inserted prescription in thememory. The automated will call system is now ready for anotheroperation.

If pharmacy personnel find a prescription already in the designatedstorage location, such as when adding a prescription to a group, thepharmacy personnel remove the current prescription from the storagelocation. The article sensor 23 detects removal of the prescription fromthe storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming theactivity. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the “new” prescription and the“prior” prescription back into the same designated storage location atthe same time. The article sensor 23 detects the insertion of the “new”and “prior” prescriptions. The article sensor sends a signal to thecontroller representative of the prescriptions being placed into thestorage location. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller deactivatesthe work flow coordinator, and stores the location of the insertedprescriptions in the memory.

If the designated storage location is already full with prescriptions,and the prescription to be inserted will not fit, the pharmacy clerkpresses the NEXT user interface button on the storage unit. In response,a signal is sent to the controller 12 instructing the controller thatthe designated storage location currently has too many prescriptions toaccommodate the intended item. The controller scans the memory anddesignates the closest available storage location for the placement ofthe prescription. The controller activates the work flow coordinator anditem transport means of the designated storage unit, guiding thepharmacy personnel to the new designated storage location. The pharmacyclerk then inserts the prescription into the new designated storagelocation. Again, upon receipt of a signal from the article sensor 23indicating insertion, the controller deactivates the work flowcoordinator and stores the new designated storage location in thememory.

If the prescription does not fit into a storage location because it istoo large, the pharmacy clerk presses the BULK user interface button. Inresponse, a signal is sent to the controller informing the controllerthat the prescription is too large to fit into the designated storagelocation and instructing the controller to select a bulk area storagelocation for the prescription. The controller designates a bulk arealocation and illuminates a light 72 adjacent the designated bulk area70, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription. Thepharmacy clerk then inserts the prescription into the designated bulkstorage area. Upon completion of the bulk insertion, the pharmacy clerkpresses the DONE user interface button on the storage unit containingthe bulk area, confirming completion of the bulk area placement. Asignal is sent to the controller in response to pressing the DONEbutton, instructing the controller to store the designated bulk storagelocation of the prescription in memory and deactivate the work flowcoordinator, including the bulk area light 72.

If the prescription to be stored requires refrigeration, the pharmacyclerk presses the REFRIGERATOR user interface button on the designatedstorage unit. In response, the controller selects an availablerefrigerator 18. The controller 12 activates the work flow coordinatoron the selected refrigerator 18, illuminating light 22 and directing thepharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selectedrefrigerator. After insertion of the prescription, the pharmacy clerkpresses the DONE user interface button 82 on the refrigerator, signalingthe controller that the insertion of the refrigeration prescription iscomplete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flowcoordinator, darkening light 22, and stores the refrigeration storagelocation of the prescription in the memory.

If the prescription to be stored is a valuable or controlled medication,such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, and requiressecure storage, then the pharmacy personnel presses the SECURE userinterface button on the designated storage unit. In response, thecontroller selects an available secure storage unit 20. The controller12 activates the work flow coordinator on the secure storage unit,illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert theprescription into the selected secure storage. After insertion of theprescription, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button82 on the secure storage unit, signaling the controller that theinsertion of the secure prescription is complete. In response, thecontroller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22,and stores the secure storage location of the prescription in thememory.

If the prescription is inserted into the wrong storage location, i.e.,the storage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, thelight beam 44 of the wrong storage location is interrupted, causing asignal to be sent to the controller 12. In response, the controlleractivates an error signal. This error signal may be audible or visible,or preferably both. Preferably, upon insertion of a prescription intothe wrong location, an error light is illuminated and an audible alarmis activated on the storage unit. The error signal remains active untilthe prescription is removed from the incorrect location. Upon removal ofthe incorrectly placed prescription, the controller 12 returns the workflow coordinator to the status of instructing the pharmacy personnel toplace the prescription in the correct designated storage location. Theincorrect storage location may be denoted by the blinking of light 80proximate said storage location.

When a customer arrives to pick up a prescription, pharmacy personnelinitiate the prescription retrieval procedure by entering identifyinginformation about the patient or the prescription to be retrieved. Theidentifying information may include the patient name, patientidentification number, shopper card, retinal scan of the patient, fingerprint, or the like. The identifying information may be entered bypatients themselves or by pharmacy personnel at a user work station 16,using the keyboard, scanner, or card reader 17.

In response to receiving the identifying information, the controllerscans the memory for a match with the received information. Upon findingat least one match, the controller may transmit the matched data to theuser work station 16 for display to pharmacy personnel. The matched datawill be information such as patient name, address, and phone number.Pharmacy personnel may select one of the displayed matches,corresponding to the specific patient and specific prescription(s) forretrieval. The selection of the prescription for retrieval may occurthrough entry on a keyboard, touch screen, voice recognition, or thelike.

If family grouping of prescriptions was done when the prescriptions wereinserted into the system, then during retrieval, if there are otherprescriptions for the patient or prescriptions for other patients havingthe same last name, address, phone number, and the like, pharmacypersonnel may select any or all of the displayed grouped prescriptionsfor retrieval by the customer. However, if a non-grouping flag has beenactivated for a patient's prescription, the controller 12 eitherdisplays the non-grouped prescription at the user work station with anon-grouping indication or, preferably does not display the non-groupedprescription at all. The non-group indication may be an audible or avisible indication on the display at the user work station 16. Forprivacy reasons, the non-grouped prescription may be retrieved only bythe individual patient or the patient's pre-designated representative.

Preferably, upon selection of the prescription(s) for retrieval, thecontroller 12 retrieves the designated location of the selectedprescription(s) from the memory and activates the work flow coordinator,and if applicable, the drive means of the designated storage unit. Uponactivation of the work flow coordinator, at least one of the lights 78on the designated storage unit illuminates, designating a prescriptionretrieval activity in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to theproper storage unit. Preferably, one of the lights 78, color coded tothe user work station 16 where the retrieval was initiated, isilluminated. Also, a light 80 proximate the opening of the storage unitpermitting access to the designated storage location illuminates,prompting the pharmacy personnel to remove the prescription from thatdesignated storage location. The pharmacy clerk then removes theprescription from the storage location proximate the illuminated light80.

In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination oflight 80, the controller signals the designated storage unit drive meansto move the designated storage location to a position which permits useraccess to the storage location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receiptof a signal, the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32on the conveyor until the row containing the designated storage locationis proximate the window opening 30. In the carousel embodiment of theinvention, upon receipt of a signal the drive means 60 rotates thecarousel of vertically stacked trays until access to the designatedstorage slot is permitted, through one of the openings 55.

Once the drive means has stopped rotating the storage locations and thework flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to retrieve theprescription, the pharmacy clerk removes the prescription from thedesignated storage location.

The article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and incommunication with the controller 12, detects the removal of theprescription from the storage location and sends a signal to thecontroller confirming the removal. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B,when a prescription is removed from a storage location, the light beam44 emitted from the light source 24 is no longer blocked by theprescription, and is permitted to reflect off of the reflecting means 25back to the photo-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to thelight beam reflecting back to the photo-detector, sends a signal to thecontroller representative of a prescription being removed from a storagelocation. Upon receipt of the signal that the prescription has beenremoved, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkeninglights 78 and 80, and deletes the location of the retrieved prescriptionfrom the memory. The automated will call system is now ready for anotheractivity.

If there are multiple prescriptions in multiple storage locations to beretrieved for the customer, the controller identifies the currentstorage location(s) permitting user access therein, and then activatesthe drive means to rotate the storage locations to permit access to theclosest designated storage location containing the multipleprescriptions to be retrieved. Once the article sensor 23 detectsremoval of the first prescription from the storage location, a signal issent to the controller confirming the first retrieval. The controllerthen activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drivemeans, to provide access to the designated storage location of thesecond prescription to be retrieved. This process is repeated until allselected prescriptions have been retrieved. Upon receipt of the signalrepresentative of the last retrieval, the controller deactivates thework flow coordinator, and deletes the locations of the retrievedprescriptions from the memory. If pharmacy personnel find more than oneprescription in the designated storage location, the pharmacy clerkremoves all prescriptions from the storage location.

If the prescription to be retrieved was stored in a bulk area, thecontroller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating light 72 onthe appropriate bulk area 70, directing the pharmacy clerk to retrievethe prescription from the designated bulk storage area. Upon removingthe prescription from the bulk storage area, the pharmacy clerk pressesthe DONE user interface button on the bulk storage unit, confirmingcompletion of the retrieval. A signal is sent to the controller inresponse to depression of the DONE button, instructing the controller todelete the bulk storage location from the memory and deactivate the workflow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72.

If the prescription was stored in a refrigerator, the controlleractivates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate refrigerator 18,illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to remove theprescription from the refrigerator. The clerk then removes theprescription, and presses the DONE user interface button 82 on therefrigerator, signaling the controller that removal of the refrigerationprescription is complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates thework flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the refrigerationstorage location from the memory.

If the prescription is a valuable or controlled medication that wasstored in secure storage, the controller activates the work flowcoordinator on the appropriate secure storage unit, illuminating light22, directing the pharmacy clerk to remove the prescription from thesecure storage unit. The clerk then removes the prescription, andpresses the DONE user interface button 82 on the secure storage unit,signaling the controller that the retrieval of the secure prescriptionis complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flowcoordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the secure storage locationfrom the memory.

In the multiple prescription retrieval situation, pharmacy personnel mayprogram the controller to prioritize access to the retrieval locations.Preferably, retrieval of prescriptions from the refrigerator 18 andsecure storage unit 20 are initiated by the controller 12 beforeretrievals from the storage units 14, i.e., pick-to-light shelf,conveyor, and carousel. This is to ensure that pharmacy personnel do notforget to retrieve those prescriptions.

The controller may prioritize other will call functions. For example,retrieval of a prescription preferably will take precedence over thestorage of a prescription. Thus, if a prescription needs to be retrievedwhile others are being inserted, the system will permit insertionsalready in process to be completed, but will place further insertions onhold until the retrieval operation has been completed.

If a prescription is removed from the wrong storage location, i.e., thestorage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, the lightbeam 44 in the wrong storage location will reflect off the reflectingmeans 25 to the photo-detector 27, causing a signal to be sent to thecontroller 12. In response to the signal, the controller activates anerror signal. This error signal may be audible or visual, or both. Forexample, upon removal of a prescription from the wrong location, anerror light is illuminated and an audible alarm is activated on thestorage unit. The error signal remains active until the improperlyremoved prescription is replaced in its correct location. Uponreplacement of the incorrectly removed prescription, the controller 12returns the work flow coordinator to the status of directing thepharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the correct designatedstorage location. The incorrect storage location may be denoted by theblinking of light 80 proximate said storage location.

Additional System Functionality

The present invention may also provide capabilities to permitmodification of the performance of the system, and monitoring of systemfunctions and the performance of pharmacy personnel. The capabilitiesmay include reminders to patients, purging of old prescriptions, andsystem diagnostics.

To minimize the number of unclaimed prescriptions, the system mayautomatically communicate with patients to remind them that theirprescription is ready for pick-up. Since many prescriptions are calledin and processed through a host system, such as an Interactive VoiceResponse (IVR) system, the present invention tracks the date and time aprescription is entered into the system, and stored within a storageunit.

As stated earlier, prescriptions enter the system by pharmacy personnelentering identifying data 98 related to the prescription. Theidentifying data is entered at the user work station 16 by manual entry,i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or through use of a scanner. Thecontroller stores the prescription entry time in memory. Afterprescriptions have remained in the system a predetermined period oftime, the system may automatically call the patient to remind thepatient that the prescription is ready for pick-up. Preferably, thecontroller 12 automatically sends electronic reminder signals 100 to thehost IVR unit 76, which in turn, places an automated call to the patientto provide a reminder that the prescription is ready for pick-up.

Pharmacy personnel may specify the time period prescriptions must remainin the system before a reminder signal is sent, by entering the timeperiod at a user work station 16 or other computer terminal incommunication with the system. The reminder signal 100 parameters may bechosen as that reminders are sent after a preselected length of time,repeatedly sent at a user specified time interval, or sent a userspecified number of times.

Alternatively, pharmacy personnel may prompt the controller to print outa listing of the patients, and their phone numbers, who haveprescriptions remaining in the system longer than the specified period,allowing pharmacy personnel to call personally and remind the patientsto pick up their prescriptions.

A purge process may be performed to remove prescriptions that haveremained unclaimed in the system. The purge process, initiated bypharmacy personnel at the user work station, prompts the controller 12to identify all prescriptions that have been in the system longer than auser specified time period.

In response to initiation of the purge process, the controller 12 scansits memory and retrieves the storage location of all prescriptions thathave been in the system for longer than the time period specified by thepharmacy personnel. The controller then signals the system to guide thepharmacy personnel to the storage location closest to a storage unitopening with a prescription to be removed.

The controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating lights78 on the designated storage unit and illuminating light 80 proximatethe designated storage opening. Prior to illumination of the lights 80,if applicable, the controller signals the designated storage unit itemtransport means to move the designated storage location to a positionthat permits user access to said storage location. Pharmacy personnelremove the prescription in response to the system prompts. Once theunclaimed prescription is removed, the system immediately deactivatesthe currently activated work flow coordinator, and then activates thework flow coordinator and item transport means of the storage unitcontaining the next prescription to be purged. The system repeats thisprocess in a continuous manner until all unclaimed prescriptionsdesignated to be purged have been removed from the system. Prescriptionsremoved from the bulk storage, refrigerator, or secure storage arepreferably scanned by a scanner, retrieving identifying information andsending it to the controller 12 for deletion of the prescriptionlocation from memory.

The purge process is preferably performed periodically when prescriptioninsertion and retrieval operations are least active, e.g., when thepharmacy is closed.

System self-test diagnostics may be initiated by pharmacy personnel,causing the controller to perform a series of routines to test thesystem functions and hardware. The tests may prompt the user to performan action, e.g., ask the user to provide visual confirmation that alllights in the work flow coordinator illuminate. As another, example, are-synchronization process permits pharmacy personnel to verify thatthere is a prescription in a slot that is supposed to have aprescription and verify that there is no prescription in a slot that isnot supposed to have a prescription. The re-synchronization is typicallyperformed when will call activity is at its lowest.

Preferably, when prompted by the user, the system may print out a reportof activity in the system (storage and retrievals). Using the print out,pharmacy personnel may manually manipulate the storage units to inspectthe storage locations and verify that prescriptions are in their properlocation. Alternatively, the printouts may be automatically printed atuser selected time intervals so that in the event of an emergency, suchas if power is lost, pharmacy personnel may use the printouts tomanually operate the will call system. For example, the door 53 of acabinet 52 containing the carousel 54 may be manually opened and thecarousel manually rotated, permitting access to desired storagelocations, thus allowing the will call process to continue in theabsence of electrical power.

As shown in FIG. 7, the automated will call system may include severalstorage cabinets. In such a configuration, one cabinet 52 is the“master” cabinet and the remaining cabinets are “auxiliaries” 52′. Themaster cabinet and auxiliary cabinets are in communication with thecontroller 12 via communication links. These links may be hard-wiredconnections, or optical or wireless connections, as desired.

The master cabinet 52 comprises a plurality of user interfaces buttons68, as previously described. The auxiliary cabinets 52′ are the same asthe master cabinet, with the exception of having a single user interfacebutton 86, preferably a DONE button. The DONE button provides indicationto the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has beencompleted by pharmacy personnel at that cabinet.

As stated above, pressing the DONE button is necessary where an articlesensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that aprocedure has been performed. Procedures where an article sensor 23 maynot provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion orretrieval of items from bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or securestorage 20. For the insertion into and retrieval from these storagelocations, pharmacy personnel utilize the user interface buttons on themaster storage cabinet 52, and only use the DONE button on the auxiliarycabinet 52′ when a prescription is inserted in or retrieved from thatauxiliary cabinet bulk storage area.

All embodiments of the storage cabinets may include at least one highdensity storage location having a larger volume than the storagelocations described above. Preferably, the high density slots wouldreside within the carousel storage cabinet 52, wherein an article sensor23 senses that at least one prescription is inserted into or removedfrom a high density slot. However, several prescriptions may be in thesingle slot. The high density slots are for high volume prescriptionstorage, wherein the pharmacy personnel would know that a prescriptionis one of many prescriptions within a large slot/bin. For retrieval of aprescription from a high density storage slot, pharmacy personnelinteract with the controller 12 in the same manner as in a typicalretrieval. In response, the controller communicates with the work flowcoordinator and drive means to guide the pharmacy personnel to theproper high density slot containing the prescription to be retrieved.Pharmacy personnel then sort through a relatively small number ofprescriptions in the slot to locate the correct prescription. The highdensity storage configuration significantly decreases the retrieval timesince pharmacy personnel are directed to a relatively small number ofprescriptions out of a vast number of prescriptions stored in a singlecabinet.

As shown in FIG. 9, a safety sensor 88 may be attached to the cabinet90, including a light source 91, a reflecting surface 92, and at leastone photo-detector 93 adjacent the light source. The light source 91 isoriented so as to direct a light beam 94 to strike a reflecting surface92 on the lower edge of an opening 96 on the cabinet 90, therebyproviding a “light curtain.” Preferably, the light beam 94 emitted fromlight source 91 is oriented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located onthe lower edge of the lowermost opening 96 in the cabinet.

There may be one light beam for each opening 96 in the cabinet 90. Forexample, each light beam may be individually oriented to strike areflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of each opening in thecabinet.

The “light curtain” operates in the same manner as the article sensors23. When an object, e.g., a hand, interrupts the light beam 94,preventing the light beam from reflecting off of the reflecting surface92 and being reflected to the photo-detector 93, a signal is sent to thedrive means to stop the movement of the conveyor or carousel until thelight beam is restored. Accordingly, injury to pharmacy personnel anddamage to the prescription is avoided.

Via the IVR and PMS, prescriptions can be filled in a central location(central fill), transported to the pharmacy through any suitablelogistical method, and then placed into a will call system, according tothe invention. “Predictive refills,” wherein pharmacies send patientsrefills to prescriptions prior to the end of a current prescriptionexpiring or prior to the patient requesting a refill, would benefit fromthe automated will call system of the invention. To that end, anotherembodiment of the carousel cabinet 52 comprises removable verticallystacked trays of slots 58. Each slot is preferably pie-shaped andcircumferentially offset. Each tray of slots comprises two semi-circularportions, each portion forming a tote 102.

The tote 102 is filled with completed prescriptions at the central filllocation and transported to the pharmacy, where the storage cabinet 52resides. The prescription identifying information, as well as the slotlocation of each filled prescription transported in the tote 102, isstored and sent to the pharmacy to be entered into the system. Theprescription identifying information and slot location of thetransported prescriptions may be entered into the controller memory byelectronic transmission, such as via modem, or the prescriptionidentifying information may be stored in a memory device and shippedwith the tote 102 in the form of a bar code or read/write tag 104disposed on the tote, a separate disk, or the like.

As the filled prescriptions are inserted into the totes 102 at thecentral fill location, the identifying data 98 on each prescription isentered into a host system, along with the slot location 58 into whichthe prescription was inserted. Preferably, the identifying data on theprescription is entered through the use of a scanner. Once the tote 102is filled, the identifying data is captured and stored on the memorydevice 104, preferably on the tote 102. The tote is then shipped to thepharmacy.

Upon arrival at the pharmacy, pharmacy personnel locate an availablestorage cabinet 52 to accommodate the tote. The memory device 104,preferably disposed on the tote, is read by a scanner 74, which sends tothe controller memory all the identifying data and slot locations of theprescriptions within the tote. Pharmacy personnel then insert the tote102 onto the available shelf 106 of the vertically stacked rows of slots58, as seen in FIG. 10. The semi-circular tote rests on top of the shelf106 and is releasably attached to the shelf by attachment means 108. Thecarousel may be manually rotated to a position permitting insertion ofthe tote. Two semi-circular totes 102 disposed adjacent each other on ashelf form a continuous circle of slots circumferentially disposed abouta central shaft 61.

The totes permit the transportation of central fill prescriptions to apharmacy in batch form, and eliminate need for the insertion ofindividual prescriptions into the automated will call system by pharmacypersonnel.

It will be appreciated that the invention permits a self-service unitincluding automatic payment capabilities, similar to an automated tellermachine (ATM) or an automated card reader. The self-service interfacemay include a touch screen and a finger print reader or retinal scanunit to verify the identity of patients, for control of the prescriptiondispensing. The patient can subsequently retrieve a prescription withoutrelying on pharmacy personnel to do so. To ensure that the patient isgiven the correct prescription, the self-service system may, although itneed not, be equipped with a single door or with individually securedoors which open and close automatically and provide patient access toonly the appropriate storage location or locations.

The automated will call system may be connected to “point of sale”terminals or other host systems within a retail pharmacy setting. Theconnection may include automated signature pads, ATM capabilities, and acash register, ensuring prompt payment and verification for theretrieved prescriptions.

Finally, speed and accuracy of service are critical in the delivery ofprescriptions in the retail pharmacy or outpatient/clinical pharmacysetting. Retrieval of the correct prescription as quickly as possible,and satisfaction of the patient is the goal of this system. Testing hasshown that the embodiment of the invention using the carousel transportsystem will present the correct prescription for retrieval in 4 secondsor less.

Modification, change and substitution are intended in the foregoingdisclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention will beemployed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, itis appropriate that the claims be construed broadly and in a mannerconsistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of theinvention.

1. A method of providing notification regarding items placed in anautomated pharmaceutical storage system comprising: placing an item in aunique storage location in the automated pharmaceutical storage system;identifying when the item was placed in the unique storage location;associating a date stamp with the item, said date stamp providing adesignation of when the item was placed in the unique storage location;storing said date stamp in memory; providing a notification after apredetermined amount of time has lapsed from said date stamp.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said providing a notification includesproviding periodic notifications.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saidproviding a notification comprises creating a list of at least one itemhaving a date stamp in which the predetermined amount of time haslapsed.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined amount oftime is related to an expiration date of said item.
 5. A method ofproviding notification regarding items placed in an automatedpharmaceutical storage system comprising: placing an item in a uniquestorage location in the automated pharmaceutical storage system;identifying when the item was placed in the unique storage location;associating a date stamp with the item, said date stamp providing adesignation of when the item was placed in the unique storage location;storing said date stamp in memory; storing the unique storage locationof said item in memory; providing a notification after a predeterminedamount of time has lapsed from said date stamp.
 6. The method of claim 5wherein said providing a notification includes providing periodicnotifications.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the predetermined amountof time is related to an expiration date of said item.
 8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing a notification comprises creating a listof at least one item having a data stamp in which the predeterminedamount of time has lapsed.
 9. The method of claim 8 additionallycomprising removing said at least one item on the list from the uniquestorage location.
 10. The method of claim 9 additionally comprisingclearing the unique storage location associated with said at least oneremoved item from the memory when the item is removed.
 11. A method ofpurging selected pharmaceuticals from a plurality of pharmaceuticalsstored in a storage unit, wherein information regarding thepharmaceuticals is stored in a controller, the information including thelocation of the pharmaceutical within the storage unit, the methodcomprising the steps of: identifying via the controller pharmaceuticalsthat have exceeded a predetermined amount of time in the storage unit;identifying via the controller the locations of the overduepharmaceuticals within the storage unit; and purging the storage area ofthe overdue pharmaceuticals.
 12. The method defined in claim 11, whereinthe controller is in communication with the storage unit.
 13. The methoddefined in claim 12, further comprising generating a signal via thecontroller indicating the location of overdue pharmaceuticals.
 14. Themethod defined in claim 13, wherein the storage unit includes aplurality of individual storage locations, and wherein the step ofgenerating a signal comprises indicating the individual storage locationin which the overdue pharmaceutical is stored.
 15. The method defined inclaim 14, wherein the controller signals the storage unit to convey theindividual storage location that houses each overdue pharmaceutical to aposition convenient for purging.
 16. The method defined in claim 13,wherein indicating the storage location of an overdue prescriptioncomprises illuminating a light associated with the storage location. 17.The method defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of clearingthe storage location of the overdue pharmaceutical from the controllerafter the purging step.
 18. A method of purging selected pharmaceuticalsfrom a plurality of pharmaceuticals stored in individual storagelocations within a storage unit, wherein information regarding thepharmaceuticals is stored in a controller, the information including thelocation of the pharmaceutical within the storage area, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) identifying via the controllerpharmaceuticals which have exceeded a predetermined amount of time inthe storage unit; (b) identifying a first storage location that houses afirst overdue pharmaceutical; (c) purging the first storage location ofthe first overdue pharmaceutical; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) onsubsequent storage locations until the overdue pharmaceuticals arepurged.
 19. The method defined in claim 18, further comprising the stepof providing a signal designating the position of the first storagelocation prior to step (c).
 20. The method defined in claim 19, furthercomprising the step of illuminating an indicator associated with thefirst storage location.
 21. The method defined in claim 18, furthercomprising the step of conveying the first storage location to aposition convenient for purging prior to step (c).
 22. The methoddefined in claim 18, further comprising the step of clearing the storagelocations of the overdue pharmaceuticals from the controller.